MedStar Health Headache Center at McLean

I've been a patient at this headache clinic for years. The neurologists here are incredibly committed to the patients. They approach you as a whole patient with tons of valuable information and medication choices. I've see Dr. Dougherty and the nurse practitioner (blanking on her name). Dr. Ailani has attended headache awareness events with the population. They are down to earth and truly listen to their patients. When I started with them, I was having 25 migraine days per month; I'm now down to just a few. They do have a long waitlist, but it's worth it just to get on the list. General neurologists are not equipped to manage migraines the way they do it at this clinic.

DO NOT GO HERE. I have been desperate to find a doctor who specializes in “headaches”. And if you are like me looking for a headache specialist because you seen so many doctors with no answers… AVOID THIS PLACE AT ALL COSTS. The irony is this place is a headache itself. I had the worst experience with Dr. Fulton. She was extremely unprofessional and rude. I even drove 2+ hours one way just to see her. I even over looked that she constantly bashed me and disregarded my symptoms just to try the three rounds of Botox. But during my last appointment, she was so unprofessional and rude. I can never go to her again. I called to change providers but they said I HAD to schedule another appointment with her before I could change providers even though I feel extremely uncomfortable to even see her

The Headache Center did not answer the phone listed on the Medstar Health website and the calling options put me in a constant loop. Very frustrating. They also did not have appointments available for months at a time- it is dismissive to hear that appointments are not available for months and months for critical neurological care, which to me demonstrates there is an issue with this organization. The experiences I have with the red tape of medical companies, especially in DC, is why people resent medical care in the US. When I finally did reach a lady over the phone, she was rude, unprofessional, and unhelpful.

I've been a patient of Dr. Ailani for several years. She is friendly, very knowledgeable, explains everything in easy to understand terms and her treatment regime has greatly reduced the migraines I experience! I would recommend her to everyone!